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Pottery Commissions made to order in our Cheshire / Shropshire studio
Commissions
Some ideas don't fit on a shelf.
A dinner service for a café that just opened.
A memorial piece with handwriting pressed into the clay.
A wedding gift for two people who have everything.
Commissions are where we get to make things that exist for exactly one reason; because someone wanted something truly special.
We're a small studio between Nantwich and Whitchurch, and everything is made by hand by the potters you'll actually speak to. If you can describe it, we'll tell you honestly whether clay is the right material for it and if it is, we'll make it.
Here are some things we've been asked to make.
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Personalised gifts - pieces with names, dates or your own handwriting worked into the design
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Wedding and anniversary pieces - ring dishes, favours, platters and keepsake bowls
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Memorial and keepsake ceramics - Forever Notes pieces holding handwriting, fingerprints or ashes-safe designs
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Tableware for businesses - café and restaurant dinner services, branded pieces, presentation bowls
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One-off art pieces - sculptural work and statement pieces for the home. We've made underpant mugs and fairy lamps...challenge us!
How a pottery commission works.
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Tell us the idea. Email hello@clayways.co.uk or call or WhatsApps us on 07785 622543 with what you have in mind. A photo, a sketch or a rough description all work.
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We agree the design. We'll come back with honest advice on size, shape, glaze and what will and won't survive the kiln; clay has opinions :)
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Making and firing. Most pieces take 3–8 weeks from agreed design to finished, fired and glazed. Bigger sets take longer as we need to give them enough time to dry
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Collection or delivery. Collect from the studio or we'll arrange delivery anywhere in the UK.
Help us to quote quickly
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What the piece is for (use it, or look at it?)
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Rough size — "cereal bowl" is a perfectly good measurement
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Any names, dates or handwriting to include
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Colour preferences, if any
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When you need it by
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Where we need to post it to
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pottery commission cost?
It depends on size and detail. Small personalised pieces start around £25–£50; large multi-piece sets are quoted individually.
We'll always give you a price before starting any work and you will receive progress reports and photographs during the full process.
Can you use my own handwriting on a commission?
Yes — that's what our Forever Notes range is built on. Send us a photo of the handwriting and we'll work it into the piece.
Can you match something I already own?
Often, yes. Send a photo and we'll tell you honestly how close we can get.
How far ahead should I order?
For birthdays and Christmas, get in touch 4–8 weeks ahead. Wedding and business orders are best booked 3–4 months out. We might be able to squeeze something in for you before then but we would need to know the size of the commission first.
Shop
Meet Our Team
Tracy Cross
Ceramicist & Owner
Specialising in pottery throwing, handbuild and decoration
Jess Kench
Ceramicist
Specialist in Forever Notes and Glazing techniques
What Our Customers Say
Kathy B
"I love coming to Clayways. Tracy and Jess are super friendly, always helpful and I meet lovely people. My throwing has improved substantially with their guidance. HIghly recommended."
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Carter
"Ordered the brass candle holder and it arrived beautifully packaged and exactly as described. Will buy again!"
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Elias
"It’s nice to see a brand that cares about the-makers as much as the product. Great experience overall."
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